Anyone can tell you the Stars need to do better in 5-on-4 play. The question is, how?
In the wake of the Dallas Stars’ second loss in three games, most recently to the Buffalo Sabres, concern continues to grow about the lack of production on the power play. It can be argued that the lack of execution with the man advantage is the culprit for the recent losses, especially when you consider the amount of power play opportunities versus goal differential when the final horn sounds.
The Stars were slow out of the gate last year on the power play as well [Tiffin], but ended up finishing with the sixth best percentage (24.2%) by season’s end [NHL]. That was last season though. This year, the first line power play unit looks more or less the same, with the exception of Wyatt Johnston replacing Joe Pavelski. Through seven games, Johnston has yet to record a point on the power play, whereas Pavelski only had 2 points through the same amount of games last season [NHL]. This suggests that the power play struggles are likely a play-calling issue versus a lack of chemistry.
If we take a look at the power play in general, the Stars have been struggling mightily in front of the net as show in Micah Blake McCurdy’s images below:
The struggles in front of the net go beyond the power play as well, as shown in this image:
Power play struggles aside, the Stars have had a good start to the season thus far. Hopefully the issues with the man advantage will resolve themselves sooner rather than later, given more film to study and just the sheer depth of our offense.
Stars Stuff
Hopefully they’re working on improving their power play strategy!
Central Division Happenings
- No games were on the docket yesterday, however the Avalanche, Blues, Hockey Club, Jets & Wild return to action tonight, headlined by a divisional Rocky Mountain showdown between the Avalanche and Hockey Club. [NHL]
The World of Chel
We didn’t cover the Frozen Frenzy much a couple days ago, but 98 ginos?! My gosh! Surprisingly, more goals were scored during last year’s Frozen Frenzy (102)! [NHL].
And if you actually have the time (or interest) to watch all 98 goals, don’t worry I got you:
Jets were surely jettin’ around!
With Halloween just around the corner, these are too cool not to share:
Finally
Their power play has to be better tonight, right? Anybody?